Cyberbullying is defined as the use of internet and mobile technologies to bully, especially amongst children and teenagers. Cyberbullying not only affects the academic career of children but also adversely impacts their physical, social, and mental well-being. In this presentation, we help you understand:
a. What is cyberbullying?
b. Effects of cyberbullying
c. 6 Tips to Protect Your Kids from Cyberbullying
d. How Quick Heal helps
Harassment involves the bully sending offensive and malicious messages to an individual or a group and is often repeated multiple times. Cyberstalking is one form of harassment that involves continual threatening and rude messages, and can lead to physical harassment in the real, offline world.
Flaming is similar to harassment, but it refers to an online fight exchanged via emails, instant messaging or chat rooms. It is a type of public bullying that often directs harsh languages, or images to a specific person.
Exclusion is the act of intentionally singling out and leaving a person out from an online group such as chats and sites. The group then subsequently leave malicious comments and harass the one they singled out.
Masquerading is a situation where a bully creates a fake identity to harass someone anonymously. In addition to creating a fake identity, the bully can impersonate someone else to send malicious messages to the victim.
The effects of cyberbullying may not be noticeable at first, but the stress factor builds up over time. Many students experiencing cyber bullying feel alone and scared. In most instances, cyber bullying doesn’t start online, but in person. The situation then escalates. Some of the signs of cyber bullying could be:
Not wanting to go to school
A sharp drop in grades and performance
Skipping school
Sudden self-esteem issues
Complaints of illnesses
Use of alcohol or drugs
Reluctance to let parents or other family members anywhere near their mobiles, laptops etc
Friends disappearing or being excluded from social events
Losing weight or changing appearance to try and fit in
Fresh marks on the skin that could indicate self-harm and dressing differently such as wearing long sleeved clothes in the summer to hide any marks
By Getting involved we mean join your kids in what they do in their world. Become their companion. One of the best ways to understand what your kids are doing online is to do it, too. Create a Facebook page and add your kids as "friends." It's no different than expecting to meet your kids friends and dates. You'll be able to see what your kids are posting and what type of response they may be getting. Besides, you might have fun as well.
Half of any worldly problem can be solved only by listening about it. Children are made to let out signals when they are in distress. They may withdraw from family and friends, become increasingly angry, moody and sullen or start acting out. And, yes, this is normal teen behavior! Even so, these are all cries for help. It is important that parents pay attention to these signals as they arise because they may be signs that something bigger is going on. Speak to them, ask them what’s troubling them.
Wounding a wounded never helps. Never blame your child for other’s behavior, regardless of how the situation originated. It is vital that your child feels safe at home from these attacks. Make it clear to your child that everything that is happening has to do with the bully’s issues, not with theirs. Try to make this attacks a positive experience for your relationship with your children.
You cannot fight an enemy without learning about them. Make sure your kids understand what cyberbullying is and why it’s dangerous. Ask them what they would do if they found themselves on the receiving end, and encourage them to think about how the victims might feel. Have your kids name some adults they could turn to for help and let them know that it’s OK if they don’t feel comfortable coming directly to you. The important thing is that they find someone who can support them and get any help they may need.
Help your kids find safe things to do online and positive ways to express their identity and creativity. Rather than engaging in social networking sites, some kids might like designing video games, composing music, exploring digital photography or creating digital art. In additional, encourage them to take on activities offline, such as clubs, church groups and sports. Remember that the draw of chats and social networking is the ability to connect with other people, so help them find positive ways to make the same connections.
Unfortunately, many bullying cases start small and then become worse over time. It is important that you keep records of all offending content (messages, videos, images, etc.) in case the abuse becomes worse and you want authorities to get involved. When malicious behavior is demonstrated with evidence, it is easier for authorities to respond.